Gabby, 2012 Girls With Wings Scholarship Winner

I Dreamed and Looked to the Sky

In my earliest dreams I have always taken flight and looked to the sky. My
father has always been my main inspiration toward making my dreams a
reality. He has always loved aviation and as a child my siblings and I would
join him in watching television documentaries about flight and aviation. Sci-fi
was also big in our house. Star Trek, Star Wars, Battle Star Galactica or any
show that had a spaceship, plane or rocket we watched it! As we got older
he would take us to the local air shows to see the different planes and
helicopters. Dad has always been a hard worker in many technical fields as a
mechanic, machinist and later a Quality Engineer. Eventually, he was able to
find work at Pratt & Whiney and later at Cessna. He loved working with
engine parts, propellers and aircraft. This only fueled his love and mine for
aviation. He felt that he could then take advantage of his company program
and earn his pilots license. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a rare
chronic cancer and eventually had to leave work without becoming a pilot.
However, my father never let my dreams die. He encouraged me to keep
pursuing my goal of becoming a pilot and working in aviation or aerospace.

This is when my career path became clearer to me. With my parents
encouragement I joined the local Young Eagles program three years ago at
Skyline Flight School in Columbus, Georgia. Since then I have been on several
flights and have even taken over the controls on many occasions. I still
remember my first time going up and how I felt so free and excited. My
excitement and joy of flying has only continued to grow as I also became a
associated with other organizations that promote aviation for young people
such as: AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and Sporty’s Pilot
Shop. These organizations help by providing resources and free simulation
training courses, guides and testing. Learning to fly is only one aspect of
aviation and aeronautics. My future goals also include earning an Aeronautics
Administration Degree from Embry Riddle University which will enable me to
qualify for a fulfilling job with a space center, airport or the FAA. Since Embry
Riddle has a campus here locally in Columbus, Georgia, I have a great
opportunity to become a pilot and earn my degree locally.

Career choice is not the only challenge in fulfilling my dreams. There are
substantial cost associated with flight school and college. My family is not a
wealthy one by any means. The recent economy has affected many people
and we are no exception. This is why I believe scholarship opportunities like
Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight are so important to me and my goals. It
can relieve some of the financial burden and give those like myself a chance
that they would otherwise not have. I have not sat back and taken this likely.
In order to keep myself in a potion to be considered for such valuable
awards, I have worked very hard in my high school curriculum and currently
maintain a 3.8 GPA. I am also aware of the responsibility and platform that
comes along with such a gift if chosen and strive to exemplify good conduct
at school and in the community.

I have learned from my parents that nothing can keep you from dreaming or
turning your dreams into reality if you are determined to work hard and not
give up. If I am honored to be a recipient of the Girls With Wings Dreams
Take Flight Scholarship, I will use my platform to inspire other girls and
minorities to reach for their goals in aviation or aeronautics no matter the
challenges. I will work hard to be an example to others who have dreamed as
I have and to show them that if they are courageous and willing to let
nothing stand in their way they can succeed. I believe the opportunities will
continue to grow for women in aviation and for little girls who dream and look
to the sky.